Instant Canopy Frame with Built-in Hubs for an Assortment of Attachments

ABSTRACT

A novel canopy frame hub, or bracket, that features insert openings on all four sides to receive attachment pegs of outdoor accessories, such as flags, banners, awnings, racks, garbage bags, drink holders, tables, shelves, gutters, and tents. The frame hub encompass a leg of a traditional canopy frame and may be adjusted vertically to a desired height by sliding the bracket along the frame leg. The hub may then be fixated at the desired height via the twisting of a fixed screw inserted through an opening in one side of the hub.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/575,490, filed Oct. 22, 2017. This document is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BYREFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

Reserved for a later date, if necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The disclosed subject matter is in the field of pop-up shelters.

Background of the Invention

Deconstructable canopy frames provide a multitude of uses for outdoorrecreational activities. Such frames have become essential forprotection from sun and rain while also providing a temporary sanctuaryfor dining, resting, and outdoor play. Further, canopy frames havebecome more and more reliable as brand identifiers—displaying brandnames so that the vender using the frame may be easily located bysearching pedestrians in a crowded outdoor area.

Traditional canopy frames merely provide a sheltering frame; however,rarely do users utilize canopy frames for nothing more than sittingbeneath them. Canopy frames are used in conjunction with a variety ofoutdoor activities, such as camping, tailgating, or marketing. All ofthese activities entail several hours of outdoor time and requireadditional gear that must be brought separately and assembledindependently of the canopy frame. These additional items are burdensometo pack and unpack. Especially for items such as banners and trash bags,which require additional attachment means to connect the items to thecanopy frame. When such products are simply hung on the trusses of thecanopy, the framework is weakened because the trusses bend under theweight of the hung-up items.

Thus, a need exists for attachment means incorporated into a canopyframe so as to avoid the excessive and burdensome packing that is nowrequired for outdoor activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an object of this specification is to disclosea novel canopy frame hub, or bracket, that features insert openings onall four sides as well as leg adjustments. The frame hub encompass a legof a traditional canopy frame and may be adjusted vertically to adesired height by sliding the bracket along the frame leg. The hub maythen be fixated at the desired height via the twisting of a fixed screwinserted through an opening in one side of the hub.

The insert openings on the sides of each hub permit a user to easily andremovably attach a variety of useful accessories such as: flags,banners, awnings, racks, garbage bags, drink holders, tables, shelves,gutters, and tents. Currently canopy frames lack adjustable hubs withbuilt-in insert openings, requiring users to use alternative means toattach items to the frame, such a zip ties or ropes. The frame hubs ofthe present invention not only provide an adjustable attachment means,but they require less work for a user who would otherwise have toremember the loose parts (rope, zip ties, etc.) and construct attachmentmeans with those loose parts.

Another objective of this disclosure is to describe various embodimentsof hubs for various functional attachments or accessories with a widevariety of uses. In some cases, the hubs are integrated on a frameworkfor a pop-up canopy or other shelter. It is another objective todescribe hubs that easily attach to the framework in a manner thateliminates loose parts (i.e., parts capable of being lost). Yet anotherobjective is to describe the integrated hubs in a way that enablesestablishment of the framework without interfering with the put-up ortake down of the framework. In some instances, the hubs feature verticalopenings that are easily accessible when the canopy or shelter frameworkis erected. Suitably, the hubs may be identified via one or more of saidvertical openings on either of the 1 or more openings on either theslider, the leg adjustment mechanism or the bottom of the outer or upperleg. In one mode of use, multiple accessories will be available toenhance the popular uses of Instant Canopies during e.g.: tailgating;street fairs; farmers markets; promotional events; community events andsporting events. Suitably, the hubs have a multiplicity of benefits,including: providing a clean professional look for attaching accessoriesto the framework without unsightly clamps or homemade attachments.Preferably, the hubs are easy to use and are inexpensive. Finally, it ispreferable that the hubs enable installation of a bar or pole from legto leg in 2 locations where the bar or pole is strong enough to holddisplay walls or merchandise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilledin the art once the invention has been shown and described. The mannerin which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can beobtained is explained in the following description and attached figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the frame hub surrounding a canopy frameleg;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an environmental view of the frame hubin use;

FIG. 2A is a magnified view of the frame hub supporting an awning;

FIG. 2B is a magnified view of the frame hub showing the fixated screw;

FIG. 2C is a magnified view of the frame hub supporting a counterattachment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the frame hub unattached to a counterattachment;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the frame hub connected to a counterattachment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame-receiving extension;

FIG. 5 5A is an environmental view of the frame-receiving extension inuse, supporting an advertisement banner;

FIG. 5B is an environmental view of the frame-receiving extension inuse, supporting an advertisement banner;

FIG. 6 is an environmental view of the frame-receiving extensionsupporting a sign with frame hubs also attached;

FIG. 7 is an environmental view showing the simultaneously use of theframe-receiving extension and the frame hub;

FIG. 8 is an environmental view showing the simultaneously use of theframe-receiving extension and the frame hub;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example of framework for a pop-upcanopy;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a leg adjustment hub and insertableaccessory pole;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a leg adjustment hub with a cup holderinstalled in one of the vertical openings of the slider;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a leg adjustment hub with a garbage bagholder installed in one of the vertical openings of the slider;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a leg adjustment hub with a cup holderinstalled in one of the vertical openings of the slider;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a truss support slider and insertableaccessory pole;

FIG. 15 is a cross section of the truss support slider and insertableaccessory pole of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a canopy with various accessoriesinstalled on the framework via hubs;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a canopy with various accessoriesinstalled on the framework via hubs;

FIG. 18 is a view of a display assembly;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a prior art truss support slider;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of pole attachment accessory that iscapable of connecting to a hub disclosed herein;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a canopy with various accessoriesinstalled on the framework via hubs;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of pole attachment accessory that iscapable of connecting to a hub disclosed herein;

FIG. 23 is an environmental view of a canopy;

FIG. 24 is an environmental view of a hub provided to a truss supportslider;

FIG. 25 is an environmental view of a hub provided to a leg adjustmenthub;

FIG. 26 is perspective view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is top view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a left-side view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 30 is a right side view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 is a back view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 25;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 38 is a left-side view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 39 is a right side view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 40 is a back view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 41 is a front view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 44 is an alternate embodiment of the hub of FIG. 24;

FIG. 45 is a repositionable hub that may be threaded by a leg of acanopy framework;

FIG. 45A is a top view of the hub of FIG. 45;

FIG. 45B is a front view of the hub of FIG. 45;

FIG. 45C is an environmental view of the hub of FIG. 45;

FIG. 46 is a repositionable hub that may be threaded by a leg of acanopy framework;

FIG. 46A is a top view of the hub of FIG. 46;

FIG. 46B is a front view of the hub of FIG. 46;

FIG. 46C is an environmental view of the hub of FIG. 46;

FIG. 47 is a front perspective of a hub that may be secured around a legof a canopy framework;

FIG. 48 is a different perspective of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a different perspective of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a different perspective of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 51 is a different perspective of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 52 is a different perspective of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 53 is a top view of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 54 is an unfurled view of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 55 is another unfurled view of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 56 is another unfurled view of the hub of FIG. 47;

FIG. 57 is a hanger accessory that may be provided to the openings of ahub;

FIG. 58 is another view of the hanger accessory that may be provided tothe openings of a hub;

FIG. 59 is a support accessory that may be provided between two hubs;

FIG. 60 is a support accessory that may be provided between two hubs;

FIG. 61 is a support accessory that may be provided between two hubs;

FIG. 62 is an environmental view of the hub and accessories of FIGS. 47,57, and 59; and,

FIG. 63 is an environmental view of the hub and accessories of FIGS. 47and 57.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by thosereasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are notnecessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed is a canopy frame hub which encompasses the leg of a canopyframe and receives attachments means. In the preferred embodiments, thehub is defined by around the leg independently, as part of the legadjustment hub, or as part of a canopy truss support cap or attachmentof the leg.

As shown in FIG. 1, the frame hub 1000 suitably features four sides witha tunneled opening that passes through the frame hub for receiving a leg2000 of a canopy (not shown in FIG. 1) 2000. The frame hub 1000 may beslid onto a canopy frame 2000 leg via insertion of the frame leg intothe central opening of the frame hub 1000, as shown. Each side of theframe hub 1000 features attachment portals or openings 1100. Attachmentaccessories (such as a counter as shown in FIG. 2) may be connected tothe frame hub via insertion of attachment pegs into the attachmentportals.

FIG. 2 shows an environmental view of the frame hub 1000 in use,supporting a counter attachment 3000, and an awning attachment 4000.FIGS. 2A-C show magnified views of the frame hub 1000 in use. Referringto FIGS. 2B and C, the frame hub 1000 features an opening on one sidethrough which a set screw 1200 is provided. A twisting of the fixedscrew drives the screw through the opening and applies pressure thecanopy leg 2000 inserted into the opening of the frame hub 1000. Thepressure of the screw 1200 onto the canopy frame leg 2000 maintains thevertical position of the frame hub 1000, preventing the downward slidingof the frame hub 1000 down the canopy frame leg 2000. An untwisting ofthe set screw 1200 alleviates the pressure, making the frame hub 1000moveable laterally along the canopy frame leg 2000 and permitting a userto adjust the height of the frame hub.

As shown in FIG. 3A and B, the attachment portals 1100 on each side ofthe frame hub 1000 receive attachment pegs 3100 from various attachmentaccessories, thereby connecting the attachment accessories 3000/4000 tothe canopy frame legs 2000. As shown in FIG. 3A, the attachment pegs3100 of an attachment accessory 3000 are aligned above the frame hub1000, such that the attachment pegs 3100 correspond to the attachmentportals 1100 on the frame hub 1000. The attachment accessory is thenbrought downward, such that the aligned attachment pegs are insertedinto the attachment portals 1100 of the frame hub 1000. The attachmentpegs 3100 are pinched inward and held inward by the outer walls of theattachment portals 1100 during insertion. Once the attachment pegs 3100emerge from the bottom opening of the attachment portals 1100, theattachment pegs 3100 spring outward, preventing the upwards movement ofthe attachment accessory 3000 and, thereby, locking the attachmentaccessory 3000 in place. FIG. 2B shows the attachment pegs 3100extending outward from the bottom of the attachment portals 1100,thereby locking the attachment accessory in place 3000. A pinching ofthe attachment pegs 3100 in conjunction with the an upward pushing forceallows the attachment pegs 31000 to ascend back up the attachmentportals 1100 and thereby release the attachment accessory 3000 from itsfixated position on the canopy leg 2000. In another embodiment, theattachment pegs are simple J-shaped hooks that insert into theattachment portals.

Referring to FIG. 4, the frame hub 1000 may be built into or otherwisefeature truss support cap or attachment for securing a truss 5000 to theleg 2000. As shown, the truss support hub 1000 also encompasses thecanopy frame leg 2000 and extends upward from the frame hub 1000. Thetruss support hub 1000 features a truss portal 1300, whereby theoverhead truss of the canopy is attached. The frame-receiving extensionalso features two banner post portals 1400, whereby a largeadvertisement sign or banner may be inserted so as to display the signwithout having to use additional attachment means (such as rope or zipties). FIGS. 5 through 8 show signs being supported by theframe-receiving extension.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the frame-receiving extension may be usedsimultaneously as another frame hub which may be fixated at a differentheight on the same frame leg.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example of framework for a pop-upcanopy. As shown the canopy features trusses 6000, legs 2000, legextension hubs 1000, and truss support hubs 1000. A comparable frameworkis disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 9,995,056 (issued Jun. 12, 2018;collapsible gazebo frame with single activation feature) and this U.S.Pat. No. 9,995,056 is hereby incorporated by reference for disclosure ofsimilar frameworks described herein.

FIGS. 10 through 13 illustrate the leg extension hub 1000. FIG. 10 is aperspective view of a leg adjustment hub hub 1000 and insertableaccessory pole 200 with a digit 201 for insertion into the portals 1100of the hub (as shown). FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a leg adjustmenthub hub 1000 with a cup holder 300 installed in one of the verticalopenings 1100 of the slider hub 1000. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of aleg adjustment hub 1000 with a garbage bag holder 100 installed in oneof the vertical openings of the slider hub 1000. FIG. 13 is aperspective view of a leg adjustment hub hub 1000 with a cup holderinstalled in one of the vertical openings of the slider hub 1000.

FIGS. 14 through 15 illustrate the truss support hub 1000. FIG. 15 is across section of the truss support slider 1000 and insertable accessorypole 200 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a canopy with various pole accessoriesinstalled on the framework via hubs 1000, where the poles support itemssuch as signs or flags. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a canopy withvarious accessories installed on the framework via hubs. FIG. 18 is aview of a display assembly using pole accessories. These attachmentscontrast with the prior art, as shown in FIG. 19, which is a perspectiveview of a prior art truss support slider that can accept a dowel in ahole. Other types of pole accessories are also contemplated. Forinstance, FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another type of poleattachment accessory that is capable of connecting to a hub disclosedherein. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a canopy with variousaccessories to make a fence or border around the framework is installedon the framework via hubs. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of poleattachment accessory that is capable of connecting to a hub disclosedherein. The pole accessories can be strung between two legs 2000 toaccomplish a hanging rod or a rail skirt, e.g., as shown in FIG. 23,which is an environmental view of a canopy.

FIG. 24 is an environmental view of a hub provided to an eight sidedtruss support slider. In the earlier figures, the legs were only foursided or substantially four sided. It is contemplated that the hub 1000may be modified for placement onto a leg of any number of sides. FIG. 25is an environmental view of a hub provided to a leg extensions sliderfor an eight sided leg. FIG. 26 is perspective view of the hub of FIG.25. FIG. 27 is top view of the hub of FIG. 25. FIG. 28 is a bottom viewof the hub of FIG. 25. FIG. 29 is a left-side view of the hub of FIG.25. FIG. 30 is a right side view of the hub of FIG. 25. FIG. 31 is aback view of the hub of FIG. 25. FIG. 32 is a front view of the hub ofFIG. 25. FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 25. FIG. 34 isa perspective view of the hub of FIG. 25. FIG. 35 is a perspective viewof the hub of FIG. 24. FIG. 36 is a top view of the hub of FIG. 24. FIG.37 is a bottom view of the hub of FIG. 24. FIG. 38 is a left-side viewof the hub of FIG. 24. FIG. 39 is a right side view of the hub of FIG.24. FIG. 40 is a back view of the hub of FIG. 24. FIG. 41 is a frontview of the hub of FIG. 24. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the hub ofFIG. 24. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 24. FIG. 44 isan alternate embodiment of the hub of FIG. 24. The operation of the hubsof FIGS. 24 and 25 are substantially similar to those hubs describedabove in connection with the earlier figures.

FIG. 45 is a repositionable hub 1000 that may be threaded by a leg of acanopy framework. FIG. 45A is a top view of the hub of FIG. 45. FIG. 45Bis a front view of the hub of FIG. 45. FIG. 45C is an environmental viewof the hub of FIG. 45. FIG. 46 is a repositionable hub that may bethreaded by a leg of a canopy framework. FIG. 46A is a top view of thehub of FIG. 46. FIG. 46B is a front view of the hub of FIG. 46. FIG. 46Cis an environmental view of the hub of FIG. 46. The hubs 1000 depictedin FIGS. 45-46C may be fit to the leg 200 of a canopy framework byrestriction fit, set screw, or adhesive.

FIG. 47 is a front perspective of a hub that may be secured around a legof a canopy framework. FIG. 48 is a different perspective of the hub ofFIG. 47. FIG. 49 is a different perspective of the hub of FIG. 47. FIG.50 is a different perspective of the hub of FIG. 47. FIG. 51 is adifferent perspective of the hub of FIG. 47. FIG. 52 is a differentperspective of the hub of FIG. 47. FIG. 53 is a top view of the hub ofFIG. 47. FIG. 54 is an unfurled view of the hub of FIG. 47. FIG. 55 isan unfurled view of the hub of FIG. 47. FIG. 56 is another unfurled viewof the hub of FIG. 47. As shown in these figures, the hub may be definedby flat surfaced chain links that can be wrapped around a leg of acanopy frame and ratchetedly connected to the leg.

FIG. 57 is a hanger accessory that may be provided to the openings of ahub. FIG. 58 is another view of the hanger accessory that may beprovided to the openings of a hub. FIG. 59 is a support accessory thatmay be provided between two hubs. FIG. 60 is a support accessory thatmay be provided between two hubs. FIG. 61 is a support accessory thatmay be provided between two hubs. FIG. 62 is an environmental view ofthe hub and accessories of FIGS. 47, 57, and 59. FIG. 63 is anenvironmental view of the hub and accessories of FIGS. 47 and 57.

Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or moreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but insteadmight be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more ofthe other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether ornot such embodiments are described and whether or not such features arepresented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadthand scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of theabove-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or thelike, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that mightbe available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use ofthe term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, might be combined ina single package or separately maintained and might further bedistributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporatedby reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Paper “Sequence Listing”

Not applicable.

I claim:
 1. a canopy frame hub which encompasses the leg of a canopyframe and that includes portals which receive a digit of an attachment.2. the canopy frame hub of claim 1 wherein the hub is adjustably definedaround the leg, as part of the leg adjustment hub, or as part of aslider of the leg.